4th Infantry Division welcomes new command sergeant major

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Command Sgts. Maj. Brian M. Stall and David M. Clark participated in a ceremony that marked the official change of responsibility from Stall to Clark as the command sergeant major of the 4th Infantry Division, Dec. 8, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Several commanders and command sergeants major serving in Afghanistan attended the ceremony to congratulate Stall, a Newport News, Va., native, on his time as the division command sergeant major of the 4th Infantry Division. They also honored his nearly 30 years of service in the U.S. Army as he prepares to retire.

The attendees, likewise, welcomed Clark, a Knoxville, Tenn., native, as the new DCSM. Clark also takes over as the senior enlisted adviser for Regional Command (South), which the 4th Infantry Division currently commands.

Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, RC(S) and 4th Infantry Division commanding general, spoke at the ceremony after Stall and Clark traded places on each side of LaCamera, signifying the change of responsibility.

“Both men here truly represent the best of the best,” LaCamera said.

Family members and friends tuned in to the ceremony from Oklahoma, Colorado, Kuwait and Hawaii via video teleconference.

Stall, in his outgoing speech, thanked his fellow service members and his family – who watched from Fort Carson, Colo. – for supporting him.

“It has been an honor serving with all of you,” he said. “I will depart this great division, this great responsibility, with one priority. They’re sitting right there in Room 107 – my family. And I love you unconditionally.”

LaCamera, who has served with Stall for almost a year, did not mince his words in praising and thanking Stall for his service.

“Sgt. Maj. Stall, your dedicated and selfless service is a model for all soldiers,” LaCamera said. “You have shouldered the weight of responsibility with professionalism and pride, and I cannot thank you enough for the support and counseling you have provided.”

LaCamera recognized Stall’s family for the years they contributed to the effort as Stall served on various overseas deployments, including this one.

“Selfless service is in his family gene pool,” LaCamera said, adding also that “between his father, brother and himself, they have over 87 years of service to this nation.”

Clark also addressed the service members in attendance.

“I credit my success to the soldiers and leaders who supported me along the way,” Clark said, adding that the “wisdom and patience” of noncommissioned officers he has worked with helped him develop as a leader.

Clark, like Stall, recognized and thanked his family for their support and love throughout his Army career.

“I want to say a special thanks to my family, for your steadfast dedication to our Army team,” he said as his family listened from Hawaii.

LaCamera welcomed Clark to the 4th Infantry Division command group, saying he “brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and energy to the team.”

“The only thing I’ve ever promised our soldiers and our families is good leadership,” LaCamera said. “I’ve chosen you for that reason and that reason alone. I know you are up to the task and I look forward to serving alongside you.”